The Latest from the State House Regarding
Covid-19 Response
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Dear Friend,
 I hope your first week under Gov. Mills’ “Stay Healthy at Home” order has been a positive one. I know we all miss our friends, families and daily routines. But each day that passes is another day we’ve done our part to protect public health, and another day closer to getting through this pandemic together.
There are two statewide updates I want to share this week. First, last Friday Gov. Mills mandated that travelers coming into Maine, regardless of their residency, self-quarantine for 14 days. To deter travel, the Governor also suspended lodging operations, including hotels, motels, inns and short-term rentals like Airbnb, RV parks and campgrounds. There are exceptions for people traveling for essential services or in vulnerable housing situations.
Gov. Mills also signed an executive order last week to help Maine families buy nutritious food and cover the costs of essentials like housing and medications. If you receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, you may now have access to more or longer benefits. Applications for those benefits have also been streamlined for those that are eligible. Learn more at this link.
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Although the legislative session has adjourned, our work as lawmakers is not done. All of us are working behind the scenes to answer questions, help constituents get the support they need, share critical information and highlight resources. Senate President Troy Jackson and I submitted this column that was published in The Bangor Daily News. We outline the critical, emergency legislation we passed to help Mainers through this COVID-19 crisis and ways to access services.
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 If you are healthy and able, the Red Cross is asking you to consider giving blood. There is no known end date in this fight against coronavirus and the Red Cross needs the help of blood and platelet donors and blood drive hosts to maintain a sufficient blood supply for weeks to come. The Red Cross follows the highest standards of safety and infection control, and volunteer donors are the only source of blood for those in need. Schedule an appointment here.
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FREEPORT GROCERY BUDDY PROGRAM
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Freeport is lau nching a program to assist our senior neighbors over 65 and those with autoimmunity illnesses during the coronavirus pandemic. This will allow our older residents or those with autoimmunity illnesses to take extra precautions during this time and to not worry about having to go to the grocery store. For more information on participating visit this site.
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FREQUENTLY USED RESOURCES
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I’ve shared these resources before, but here are some links to help with the most common COVID-19 problems Mainers are facing.
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NEW: A new Paycheck Protection Program implemented through the federal stimulus package. This program helps small businesses and sole proprietors access loans with loan forgiveness when they keep employees on their payroll.
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A compilation of resources, updates and help created by Maine Equal Justice for Mainers trying to manage health care, food security, evictions, court proceedings and other issues during this time.
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A Maine Department of Labor factsheet and COVID-19 webpage to help navigate unemployment insurance benefits.
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The website for small businesses to apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans through the US Small Business Administration.
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Detailed information on the FAME COVID-19 Consumer Loan Guarantee Program offering low-or-no interest loans to qualifying applicants.
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An online application for businesses that believe they should be classified as essential under Gov. Mills’ March 24 Executive Order.
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A resource to get answers any time by dialing 211 (or 1-866-811-5695), texting your ZIP code to 898-211 or emailing [email protected].
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I hope these updates and resources are getting you the information you need most. Please reach out to let me know if there is anything else I can be sharing or doing to help you and our community though this time.
Sending you best wishes for your health and safety,
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